Shouldham Parish Council

Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch have an opportunity to unlock funding to support their work in making our towns and villages a better place to live.  We share an appeal from Les Rowlands, the local Chair, for help to make this happen: “Dear Resident, Many of you have told us about crime and anti-social-behaviour in your communities which is making your lives less enjoyable.  This is why at Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch we want to help local communities make a difference to help address this. However, we cannot do this without funding to help promote existing schemes and develop new ones.  I often hear about drinking, violence, criminal damage, litter and graffiti in our towns, villages and in Norwich which makes life for some, intolerable. From what you tell me, working collaboratively with your local police officer was always the best way to tackle these problems.  However, in recent years we have lost these important links but now is the time to reinstate them. Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch is asking the Police & Crime Commissioner, to consider funding us from his allocation of Safer Streets Funding from the Home Office (£1.4m). Therefore, please could I ask you to complete this very important survey: https://www.norfolk-pcc.gov.uk/news/police-and-crime-commissioner-asks-norfolk-residents-for-their-views-on-crime-and-anti-social-behaviour/ The survey will ask questions about aspects of neighbourhood crime, anti-social behaviour  and violence and importantly it’s anonymous. Please do mention Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch and tick the box accordingly. Best Wishes Les Rowlands Chair Norfolk Neighbourhood Watch”

Norfolk residents are being encouraged to leave the car at home this summer and explore more of the county on foot, by bike or using public transport. Norfolk County Council has teamed up with national organisation ‘Good Journey’ to become the first ever ‘Good Journey County’ welcoming car-free visitors to attractions across Norfolk. More than 25 attractions across the county have signed up to the Norfolk Good Journey scheme which offers visitors discounts and incentives to arrive car-free. There is also a series of new online itineraries, offering adventures by train, bus, bike and foot to suit all ages and tastes – from beaches and ice creams to vineyards and local wines. Good Journey is an independent organisation championing car-free leisure travel, offering directions and discounts to 350 attractions across the UK. Nat Taplin from Good Journey said; “We’re delighted to name Norfolk the first Good Journey County. Norfolk is perfect for car-free adventures. You can ride to the beach or the Broads by train. Head out from Norwich in any direction by bus for just £2. Or explore miles of beautiful paths and lanes by bike and foot. Our car-free itineraries will make a day out feel like a trip aboard – from Dutch-style windmills to lavender fields and vineyards. And you can enjoy the view, a picnic, a snooze or even a glass of wine while you travel – you can’t do that while driving!” The launch of the Good Journey campaign coincides with the arrival of the new Travel Norfolk website – the new one stop shop to getting around the county. With all the latest news, public transport service changes and a local journey planner with local and real time information it’s the best place to go for planning a journey around Norfolk. All the Good Journey attractions are included in the journey planner making it easy to find your best route. Visit www.travelnorfolk.co.uk/good-journey/ for more information and to plan your next adventure. Norfolk attractions signed up to Good Journey: Banham Zoo Bewilderwood Bug Parc Cromer Pier Deepdale Camping & Rooms Drove Orchard Holkham National Centre for Writing / Dragon Hall Norwich Cathedral National Trust – Blickling Hall National Trust – Felbrigg National Trust – Sheringham Park Pensthorpe RAF Air Defence Radar Museum Richardsons Boating Holidays Richardsons Day Boat hire (Wroxham) Richardsons Hemsby Beach Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts The Shoebox Experience True’s Yard Fisherfolk Museum Watatunga Wroxham Miniature Worlds About Norfolk Net Zero Norfolk County Council has committed to achieve ‘net zero’ carbon emissions on its estates by 2030, but within its wider area, to work with partners towards ‘carbon neutrality’. This also supports the government’s ambition for a net zero country by 2050. We will achieve this by implementing carbon conscious ways of working across our buildings and supply chain; putting in place the right infrastructure across the county to support the move towards net-zero; and by working together with partners to lead and inspire our colleagues, citizens, communities and businesses to take action and play their part in protecting Norfolk for future generations. About Good Journey Good Journey is an independent organisation championing car-free leisure travel in the UK. The website goodjourney.org.uk offers door-to-door directions by train, bus, bike and foot to over 350 attractions. There are also more than 150 itineraries for car-free adventures across the UK. Good Journey is working with organisations like the National Trust and RHS Gardens towards greener visitor travel.   ​ Don’t leave it too late to book your free NHS health check If you’re aged 40-74 getting a free NHS Health Check every five years could be the answer to a longer healthier life. Residents in Norfolk are being encouraged to take up the offer of a free NHS Health Check so they can be assessed for their risk of developing certain health conditions such as heart disease, stroke, Type 2 Diabetes and dementia. NHS Health Checks are free to anyone over the age of 40 who have not had one in the last five years or who currently do not already have a related long-term health condition. 39,000 NHS Health Checks have been delivered across Norfolk over the last 12 months and many people’s cardiovascular health will have been improved as a result – but there are still many people that haven’t taken up the offer of having a check. Norfolk County Council’s Public Health team is encouraging as many eligible people aged between 40 and 74 as possible to take action now and book their NHS Health Check in a new campaign. Dr Simon Carroll, a GP from Elmham Surgery and Clinical Director for Mid Norfolk Primary Care Network says, “Many conditions such as Type 2 Diabetes, heart disease or stroke can be avoided with simple lifestyle changes. If you’ve already received an invitation to book your NHS Health Check or haven’t had one in the past 5 years, I would encourage you to book it today. I am a man in my early 60s as well as being a GP and fully support these opportunities to look after our health. The check only takes 20-30 minutes, and you will receive personalised information to help reduce your risk and improve your overall health”. NHS Health Checks can be booked at the following locations: GP surgeries Some pharmacies Community venues such as libraries and some places of work via our partner REED Wellbeing To find out if you’re eligible and to book yours visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/nhscheck NHS Health Checks In Norfolk the NHS Health Check programme has the potential to annually… Prevent 27 heart attacks and strokes Prevent 68 people developing diabetes Detect 340 cases of diabetes or kidney disease Avoid at least 11 premature deaths It is estimated that almost 90,000 people living in Norfolk and Waveney, are unaware that they have high blood pressure and are therefore at high risk of developing heart disease, strokes, kidney disease and dementia. Jim ​

County Deal – drop-in community events

Wellbeing Newsletter                    Winter is Coming

With the Met office issuing weather warnings for cold weather and even possibly snow for Norfolk, we can be sure that winter is well and truly with us.
We know that many amongst us will struggle to stay warm and fed this winter.  Below we offer some general advice on how to stay warm without spending too much money.  For people needing immediate assistance help is at hand:

Community Hot Spots and Libraries
Norfolk County Council working with Norfolk Community Foundation have funded a number of locations where you can go to access services and other help; receive a hot drink and refreshments and a place to socialise and stay warm. Follow the links:
Community Hot Spots
Libraries
Cuppa Care Bus

Food banks and larders
There are a range of places around the county where food parcels or cheap and wholesome food can be obtained.  More information about locations and opening times can be found via the Nourishing Norfolk network, or via the list held on Norfolk ALC’s website:
Nourishing Norfolk
Norfolk ALC

General Advice

Wrap up well

• Wear plenty of thin layers rather than one thick one is the best way to keep warm in winter.
• Wear clothes made of wool or fleecy synthetic fibres (cotton is only effective if the garment stays dry)
• Keep your feet warm with rugs and slippers.
• Wear bed socks and thermal underwear at night
• Putting on a coat, hat, scarf, gloves and warm shoes or boots when you go outside. If you’re heading out, make sure you take some extra layers – even if you don’t need them immediately, it’s a good idea to be prepared because the temperature can drop significantly when the sun goes in.

Heat where you need it

• Only heat the rooms you use – heat the living room during the day and the bedroom just before going to sleep.  Turn the heating in other rooms down or completely off.
• Keep doors and windows closed.
• The ideal temperature is 64°F (18°C) for your bedroom and 70°F (21°C) for your living room. Check your thermostat or use a room thermometer to monitor temperature, and keep your bedroom window shut on a winter’s night.
• Draw your curtains and tuck them behind the radiator to avoid cold spots.
• Use a hot-water bottle, wheat bag or electric blanket to warm the bed, but never use a hot-water bottle and electric blanket together as this can be dangerous.
• More tips at MoneySavingExpert.

Eat well

• A healthy balanced diet will help keep you warm and healthy in the winter. Make sure you and your family eat at least one hot meal a day like soup which is nutritious, keeps you warm and is inexpensive to make or buy.
• If you have them, microwaves, slow-cookers and airfryers are often the most cost (and energy) efficient ways of creating hot meals.
• Batch cook and reheat in a microwave.
• Get your 5 a day.
• Avoid comfort eating.

Stay active and stay in touch

• Staying active is good for your health. Walking, for example, can be good for you. If the weather prevents you getting outside, stay active indoors by catching up on all the household tasks you’ve been putting off.
• Stay in contact with friends and family, especially if you’ve been stuck in the house for a few days. If you have elderly relatives or neighbours who might need help, check up on them.

The cold weather could be just one of many reasons why someone has tumbled into crisis and needs help and support.  Places where that help can be found are contained in our “Help in a Crisis” document available from our website.  Good places to try first are as follows:

Norfolk Assistance Scheme can help you get support and financial assistance for food, energy, water, and other household essentials including white goods. You can apply yourself or a support organisation, such as Age UK Norfolk or Citizens Advice can apply on your behalf. 0344 800 8020.

Citizens’ Advice – CABx can offer help with energy bills and with advice on how to reduce your ongoing energy requirements. 0800 144 8848

Norfolk Community Foundation’s Nourishing Norfolk food hubs provide a range of food support. This includes community fridges and larders, food pantries and community supermarkets

Cost of living vouchers – if you are eligible for free school meals you will now receive a monthly ‘cost of living’ voucher. The vouchers will be £15 per month per child with an additional payment of £30 per child in December.

Anglian Water provides an Extra Care Support Service for people who need help paying their water bills including advice, payment breaks, flexible payment plans and discounts. 0800 169 3630

SLC QA Poster – King's Lynn 13 Dec

Following the popularity of the second Summer of Play, an initiative between the borough council and Alive West Norfolk that gave young people access to low-cost activities, it’s being extended into the autumn months with many activities available throughout the holiday at discounted prices.

Throughout the October half term the borough council has teamed up with Alive to reduce the cost of activities such as swimming, KASET Skatepark, Alive Adventures, roller skating and Tumble Teds to as little as 50p or £1 in Hunstanton, King’s Lynn and Downham Market, saving older children, teens and families a sizeable amount of money on fun things to do.

Council leader, Stuart Dark MBE, said: “West Norfolk families continue to face an increasing cost of living. We see the news, like you do, and know that when people’s finances are pressured one of the first things they potentially give up is the meaningful extras like trips out and leisure activities.

“But we also know how important these are for people’s physical and mental wellbeing. As a local authority we’re here to help and support our residents and if we can, as part of our wider efforts,  take away some of that pressure by keeping the cost of these activities as low as we possibly can and letting people know early so they can be reassured and make fun plans for the autumn, then that is what we will do.”

Neil Gromett, managing director of Alive West Norfolk, said: “Alive West Norfolk aims to provide opportunities to all and with the support of our partners we have been able to put together a package of activities that will make sure young people across the borough can have fun, socialise and be active.

“Once again our summer programme was a huge hit and hundreds of sessions were enjoyed by children, teens and families at a significantly reduced cost. We hope to see people making use of the extended scheme during the Halloween half term.”

Most fun sessions on offer during the half term holiday will cost just £1, reduced even further to 50p for those residents eligible for an Alive card concession. These activities will be in addition to the usual holiday clubs and the free opportunities available through the borough’s network of open spaces, beaches and more than 80 play areas.

At Alive West Norfolk, the activities on offer will include swimming ages 19 and under, KASET Skatepark ages 6-18, Tumble Teds ages 5 and under, Alive Adventures soft play ages 10 and under, and roller skating ages 3-18.

With an Alive card, this half term an adult could take two children aged 4-18 swimming for as little as £6.50, with an Alive card concession that goes down to £3.70, and children under 4 are free.

Normally, the charge for an Alive West Norfolk concession card is £10.  The concession card reduces the cost of activities at Alive West Norfolk venues. This fee is being removed so that any resident eligible for a concession card can obtain it for free, enabling them to access the cheapest possible rates.

Eligibility for concession cards is State Pension Age (66 years of age and over), NHS Tax Credit Exemption, Income Support Claimant, Job Seekers Allowance, Housing Benefit Claimant, Incapacity Benefit Claimant/Employment Support Allowance, Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment/Attendance Allowance, Full time student over 18 years of age, Children living with and dependent of anyone in the above categories (excluding State Pension Age) and Pupil Premium.

Full details of the programme, concession card scheme and booking information are available at alivewestnorfolk.co.uk/holiday-

A potential £1.5million funding boost for rural communities in west Norfolk has been announced and the council needs the public’s help to decide how it could spend the money if secured.

The money comes from the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund and can be used in a variety of ways that address some of the specific challenges rural communities face.

We have put together short surveys for our residents and businesses to find out what they think would make the most difference to them. Once we have this information we will use it to build a proposal that is based on their priorities.”

The fund can be used to support capital projects for small businesses and communities, in particular where those projects have a wider benefit to the local economy.

Short surveys for residents and businesses open on Friday 14 October and will be live until midnight on 30 October. The surveys can be accessed through the following link: www.west-norfolk.gov.uk/repf.

Free food sessions to help King’s Lynn residents trying to make ends meet, due to increasing food costs, have returned. Lily, a service that is owned and managed by the Borough Council of King’s Lynn & West Norfolk, is organising the interactive sessions with partners Freebridge Housing Association and the College of West Anglia from external funding received from The East Coast Community Fund. ‘Food for thought’ sessions are held most Fridays between 9:30am and 11:30am at North Lynn’s Discovery Centre to help residents cook healthy and nutritious meals on a budget as well as tasting sessions and blind taste tests, comparing alternatives to some of the costly big brands. West Norfolk residents are able to take away skills that help them cook on a budget, find cheaper supermarket swaps, batch cook, make healthy “fake-away” meals and learn how to make meals go further. Free sessions take place on the following Fridays from 9.30am to 11.30am. There’s no need to book in advance, just turn up.

• 14/10/22 – Nutritional content
• 4/11/22 – Supermarket swaps
• 11/11/22 – Batch cooking
• 18/11/22 – Dietary alternatives
• 25/11/22 – Low calorie cooking
• 2/12/22 – Low cost desserts
• 9/12/22 – Fake-away meals
• 16/12/22 – Seasonal savings

For more information please either email [email protected] or telephone Lily on 01553 616200.